Recovering From a Vasectomy

Vasectomy is a fairly minor procedure that men can have as a form of permanent birth control. During this procedure, the vas deferens is sealed so that sperm will no longer be present in your semen. The recovery time for vasectomy is short, but there are certain steps you can take to ensure that everything goes well.

Support and Treatment

Your doctor will give you specific instructions for recovery, but there are some general tips to follow. It is normal to have some bruising, swelling, and pain, but if these symptoms worsen or don’t get better after a few days, be sure to call your doctor. For the first 48 hours after surgery, support your scrotum with a bandage and tightfitting underwear. Apply ice packs to the area for the first two days.

Limit Physical Activity

Following vasectomy, you will need to rest completely for at least 24 hours. After two to three days you can do light activity if you feel well enough, but you need to avoid sports and heavy lifting for at least a week. It is also important to abstain from sexual activity for at least a week, as ejaculation can cause pain and bleeding. When you do resume sexual intercourse, be sure to use another form of birth control until a doctor confirms that there is no sperm in your semen.

If you are considering vasectomy or any other urological procedure, our highly skilled team at Urology Associates, P.C. can provide you with any information you need. Visit us online or call to schedule an appointment at (877) 317-8639. We provide excellent urologic care to both men and women in the Nashville area.